The champagne has been drunk and the celebrations are over but the party is just beginning for Kitchee, who last week were crowned Hong Kong First Division league champions after an excruciating 47-year wait. And to their credit, there was no sign of a hangover afterwards, as shown by Kitchee's pledge to put country before club by promising that all their players would be available for national duty.
There have been many instances in the past where clubs, and some famous ones too, have stopped their players from representing Hong Kong because of club commitments. Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin would have none of that nonsense. A few days ago, he promised the club's Hong Kong representatives would be available for selection for the 2014 World Cup Asian zone qualifier in July, despite a clash with the Barclays Asia Trophy.
By winning the league, Kitchee earned the right to represent Hong Kong in the four-team Barclays Asia Trophy, which will also feature Chelsea, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea might not arrive boasting the tag of English Premier League champions, but they will still be a huge drawcard and the chance to play against these giants of football is nothing to be sneezed at.
Yet Ng has taken a pragmatic and sensible approach, saying the club would demand their players put the World Cup ahead of playing in a glamour game.
The problem has arisen because of a date clash. The Barclays Asia Trophy takes place at Hong Kong Stadium on July 27 and 30. Sandwiched between these dates is the World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on July 28 at Siu Sai Wan Stadium.
Kitchee captain Lo Kwan-yee is one of the players caught in the mix. He said it was the dream of many local players to go up against a famous club like Chelsea. After all, you don't get the chance to play against the likes of John Terry, Didier Drogba or Frank Lampard every day. 'However, we also know the importance of the World Cup qualifiers because you are representing Hong Kong. And I think we will have to follow the club's decision as the Hong Kong team is always our top priority,' Lo said.
Apart from Lo, the other Kitchee players who might miss out on the Barclays Asia Trophy are midfielders Lam Ka-wai and Gao Wen, and forwards Chu Siu-kei and Cheng Siu-wai.